Gomez drops appeal of three-game suspension

MILWAUKEE -- Center fielder Carlos Gomez, already out of Wednesday's starting lineup against the Pirates because of lower back tightness, has dropped his appeal of the three-game suspension he received for his part in a bench-clearing incident against Pittsburgh in April.

Gomez, who left Tuesday night's game after the fifth inning with the back problem, will begin serving his suspension immediately, the Brewers said before Wednesday's game.

Gomez also will miss Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Pirates and Friday afternoon's game at Chicago against the Cubs.

Prior to the announcement, neither Gomez nor Brewers manager Ron Roenicke indicated that the appeal would be dropped, although it makes sense because of Gomez's back problem.

Gomez was suspended for his part in the incident when he exchanged words with Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole after hitting a triple and both benches emptied. Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado was suspended for five games, while Pirates outfielder Travis Snider was suspended for two games and catcher Russell Martin one game.